A?7 






^loddy 5Ky, 



or, 



Jt^e ^pfortupate ^f^ildre^! 



f\ Drama of I^eal [\fe, 
[T\rs, flareissa 5mitl7 5P^'9^^r. 



Qopyri$l?t 5eGdjred, 
Dee. 31, 1887. 






. _ -^ 



CHARACTERS IN CLOUDY SKY. 






Mr. Raymond Collins. 

Mr. Rolland Collins, his son. 

Dedo, a Slave. ^'^ 

Dote, a Slave. Tf) L2 ^ 

1st Sentinel. 

2nd Sentinel. 

1st Soldier. 

2nd Soldier. 

General Washington. 

British Colonel. 

20 Supers. 

Dr. Howard. 

Zeno Collins, a son of Judge Collins. 

Madge Collins, Raymonds daughter. 

Julia Collins, daughter of Judge. 

Elgie Howard, daughter of Julia. 

Mina Howard, daughter of Julia. 

Mint, a Slave. 

Cloe, a Slave. 

Kate Graham. 

Mrs. Markland. 

Mr. Holland. 

Minister. 

Mr. Mellville. 

Horse by itself. 



TMPSt-a0718 5 



CLOUDY SKY, 

OB, 

TheUnfortunate Children 



A Drama of Real Life, by Mrs. N. S. Springer. 
Act I. Scene I. 

Garden. Set House L. C. Set Rocks and Mountains in 
back. Full depth stage required, with Bridge from Rock to 
Mountains. (Dedo discovered on Bridge C. and looks off L. 
with hands to his eyes.) 

DEDO. For de land ef dar aint goine to be somethin 
done mighty now quick. Wouldnt wonder if old Mars Ray- 
mond would go to de war hisef, and mebbe he make me go 
to. Sure nuft" de British am mighty tony, and dey needs to 
be taken down a peg or two ; dar comes Mars Raymond, and 
now see him git with Massa Collins. (Goes down to house, 
enter Raymond and Madge Collins from L. E. on bridge, 
going down R. 1 E. to bench.) 

RAYMOND. These are indeed troublesome tinu'S, and 
I am glad that your dear mother died before this day. 
Though were she here she would be one of the many heroic 
women rising up in the colonies in defence of liberty. 

MADGE. But father the war surely cannot last long, 
General Washington will close it soon, for the British cannot 
long withstand the spirit with which he has embued his 
soldiers. 

RAYMOND. We do not fear the foreign British as much 
as we do the Torries living amongst us. These are the traitors 



who make us tremble at our hearthstones, and bar our doors; 
it is the pomp of royalty and english gold which causes them 
to fear the shackels of Tyranny. 

MADGE. But many who seem to favor the enemy are at 
heart true (olonies. 

RAYMOND. They are few. I know of none who will 
risk their lives or even their citizenship to acquire the liberty 
my son Charles and others are struggling tor, neither will 
they give their money. I detest all such. I am a rebel to all 
English government in this coutury and will sacrifice my 
life in maintaining the principal of our republic, we hope to 
secure by the struggle. No British yoke for jiie. 

MADGE. You would sacrifice us all. 

RAYMOND. Yes and consider that the lives of all Col- 
lins' would be well spent. (Sees Dedo standing on the porch.) 
Dedo what are you looking so earnestly at ? 

DEDO. Golly, Mars. Raymond, Ise looking at a crowd of 
men off dar, (points L. 1. E.) and wondering what am de 
matter. 

RAYMOND. Where ? Up at the lodge gates ? 

DEDO. Yes Massa. 

RAYMOND. Some news there. Come Madge and Dedo, 
we can see much better from the bridge. (They go up on the 
bridge.) 

MADGE. They seem excited. (Distant cheers from 
without.) 

DEDO. Golly dat means something, if Massa Collins say 
de word, Ise goine up dar to learn the truth. 

RAY'MOND. Go Dedo, go, (cheers again from without) 
stop Dedo; well you may go Dedo, and hasten back, (cheers 
again) stop Dedo. 

DEDO. Golly dis nigger done gone, den he aint. 

MADGE. Isn't that Rolland who is mounting the horse. 

DEDO. Sure as de tax am of de ToBaca it am young 
Massa Rolland. 

RAYMOND. I cannot see, the distant is too great for my 
poor eyes. 

MADGE. It shurely is Rolland. 



RAYMOND. Like enough he is always to he found 
where there is danger and excitement 

DEDO, It am Mars. Rolland on Cudgeitail. Hip, Ya, 
Hurrah, see de old critter comming. 

RAYMOND. My son will tell us the news. You can 
remain here. 

DEDO. 1 knows dat much myself. 

MADGE. Some of the men are comming this way, they 
are running. 

RAYMOND. Some of the Torries perhaps, after Rolland. 
Dedo get my pistols and the gnus, and tell the boys to arm 
themselves and hasten here. Away. ( Uedo goes from the 
bridge and exits into the house ) 1 will shoot the tiri^t one 
who dares to molest any one on my plantation. (CalU.) Here 
every one of you. Come boys, come here, the wandering 
British cut-throats are upon us. (Enters Dedo from house 
with pistols and guns, goes on bridge, and gives pistols to 
Raymond.) Come, we will tight them from the garden. 
(Going down from bridge.) Brave Dedo, where are the b.iys. 

DEDO. I done send Dote a flying mid de guns, and 
yonder dey come mid Dote in the lead. (Enter several slaves 
bearing guns. L. 1. E.) 

RAY^MOND. Now then we are ready to meet the base 
tjTants. (Sounds of horses running outside.) 

DEDO. Here dat, Massa Raymond, he will be here just 
now ; when he comes boys, give three cheers. (iJedo mounts 
the bridge.) The men are still comming, and dey am close 
up, dey have cut across the held and am most up mid him 

RAYMOND. And he is my son Rolland. thank God. 
(Enters Rolland mounted on horse, L. 1. E ) 

RAYMOND. Slaves, give three cheers. 

ROLLAND. Why father, why are you all armed, are the 
British comming here? 

RAYMOND. Yes, here are the Torries now. (Men ap- 
pear on bridge, running. Dedo leaps off bridge into garden.) 

RARMOND. (He levels his pistols.) Halt and surrender. 

ROLLAND. (Laughting.) Father, they are my friends 
who are going to light for liberty. 



RAYMOND. We saw them following you, and thought 
that you were persued by them. 

ROLLAND. We were all at the lodge gate to see who 
was enlisting, and to hear the news, when a Courrier arrived 
and said, tell the officer to recruit every man and boy able to 
bear arms. All my friends on the bridge enlisted, and I am 
proud to say father, I was one of the first to sign my name. 
The red-coats will find that I a boy, can do the work of a man. 

RAYMOND. That is right, when do you start ? 

ROLLAND. At once. We meet to-night at Indian Cave 
for roll call at 9 o'clock. 

RAYMOND. Then you will not have much time to spare. 

ROLLAND. First, father, the boys must dance and sing 
for us, then we will be off. Here Deto and Date shake your- 
selves. (Song and dance by slaves. Enters Madge fromporh.) 

DEDO. Golly, dat is the last dance till Massa RoUand 
get back. 

ROLLAND. Y'ou must come with me Dedo if father 
will give his consent. 

RAY^MOND. Take him with you my son, he will be 
faithful, and a messenger between us. 

ROLLAND. Father give me your free consent to enter 
the army 

RAY^MOND. My son the joy of home will be ever flown 
without you. Charles is there and you my fourth son will 
soon leave me. I am m poor health, my days are few at best, 
you are but a boy in age, but a man in size ; but go fight for 
your country, and though we never see you again, we will 
have the satisfaction of knowing you ar*;' lighting in a good 
cause. 

ROLLAND. If I die on the battle field, know that your 
son died a noble death ; if my life is spared, Rolland Collins 
will come home with honors. 

RAYMOND. Well spoken my brave boy. 

ROLLAND. Farewell father and sister, I must be off'. 

RAYMOND. Wait one moment, take these weapons, 
(handing him horse pistols) and may they defend you, and 
speak for liberty. 



KOLLAND. You will hear of them, they will speak in- 
dependence to our nation. 

RAYMOND. Spoken again my brave boy. Farefell my 
son, farewell. 

HOLLAND. Boys, remember to-night at Indian Cave. 
Come armed. I have a message to carry, but I will be there 
if my charge does not fail me. 

RAYMOND. A message. 

HOLLAND. Y^es, one to General Washington. 

RAY^MOND. A good omen my son. God bless you my 
brave boy. Farewell. (Holland embraces father and sister; 
takes position as below:) 

oooooooo 

Men on Bridge. 

Horse. RAYMOND mounted. 

DEDO and DOTE. RAYMOND and MADGE. 

(Front Scene, woods. Enter R.) 

1st SOLDIER. The messenger will be likely to pass here, 
the papers he carries are important to the King's cause, and 
as we are commanded to intercept him and secure them we 
must obey, he will be an easy prey for old soldiers of the line. 

2nd SOLDIER. Here he comes, let us hide behind these 
trees, when he is here you can hold him while I secure the 
papers, we can then together take him to our General. Hist, 
he comes. (Gets behind tree. R.) 

HOLLAND (enters L.) What can keep Dcdo, can he have 
fallen in with the troops, no, I think not, my papers they are 
safe, I must deliver them to General Washington. 

1st. SOLDIER. Halt. 

2nd SOLDIER. Surrender. 

HOLLAND. All right, I am unarmed. 

1st SOLDIER. All we want are the papers you have in 
your possession. 

HOLLAND. (Aside.) The papers I have in my possession, 
great heavens, they shall not have them, though I kill them 
both. I will save them. How can I. Ah, I have it. I will 
let them have them, and with this weapon I will make them 
prisoners, and again get the papers in my possession. Ah, 
gentlemen, I have considered, the papers, there they are. 
(Hands the papers.) 



1st SOLDIER. Get the cords from the saddle pocket and 
tie the boy, while I read the papers. (Reads papers. Rolland 
takes his pistol. Exit 2nd Soldier R. 2 E.) 

ROLLAND. Hold, surrender, you are in my power, not 
a AV'M'd of alarm or you are dead. [Laughs sarcasticly.] I'll 
take those p:ipers now. 

1st SOLDIER. No you wont. I'll not give them up. 

ROLLAND. You will. [Rolland goes towards hmi, the 
soldier steps up, they struggle. Rolland 's pistol accidentilly 
goes off and kills the soldier. Enters 2nd Soldier R. 2 E. with 
cord. Rolland seizes him. takes cord from him and binds 
him. Rolland hears Dedo's crow calls from L. Rolland 
answers.] 

2nd SOLDIER. What are you going to do with me ? 

ROLLAND. Take you to General Washington, who will 
hold you a prisoner. [Enters Dedo L. 1. E.] 

DEDO. De good boy what have you got dare? [Goes 
over to the dead torry and looks at him.] My golly, Massa, 
aint he a beauty ? Golly didn't Ave do it, just killed one, and 
took de Oder prisoner. 

ROLL\ND. Yes, Dedo, we wall take them to General 
Washington. You take the dead one and I'll take the pris- 
oner. [Dedo takes dead man by his feet, and while pulling 
him oft", cheers. They exit K. 1 E] Scene open on. Scene 
ord woods full depth stage; set stage as line as can be. Enter 
Rollmd with prisoner followed by Dedo pulling dead man 
from H. 2 E. Rolland hears a voice at a distance, goes to 
L. Y. E. 

ROLLAND. Great heavens, the enemy 7 in number, 
7 to 2, well let them come, we will fight, I will deliver those 
papers to General Washington come what may, they are here. 
[Enter the enemy R. V. E.] 

BRITISH SOLDIER. Halt, you are my prisoner. 

ROLLAND Not if I know it. 

BRITISH SOLDIER. Sieze him and the nigger. (They 
fight. Five shots, Enter General Washington and troops.) 

(GENERAL WASHINGTON. Hold, men, I command you. 

BRI 1 LSI! SOLDIER. Who dares. 



(iEX. WASHINGTON. I dare. Take these men prison- 
ers, place them in our camp and guard them, and await my 
orders. My boy what is this about? 

ROLL\ND. I was entrusted with these papers to deliver 
to you General ; they are of vital importance. On my way 
to you, I was taken prisoner by those two. The papers were 
taken from me, this man was sent for a cord to bind me, the 
other while reading the pa[)ers did not notice my action, took 
my pistol to make bun surrender, l>ut he refused, and we 
fought, my pistol accidentialy Avent off, killing him instantly. 
I recovered th*- papers and Ave were on our way to yon when 
we were ciptured by these men. Here lies the dead'man, and 
here is the prisoner ; and here are the papers. (Hands papers 
to G. W., hu reads them.) 

GEN. WASHIXGTOV. My boy you have saved the 
country. I will reward you for your bravery. Henceforth 
you will be knoAvn as Colonel Collins. (Places apulets on 
Collins' shoulders.) 

HOLLAND Gen. Washington, I think you, and my 
Father in Heaven, I thank thee. 

Curtain, end Act 1st. 
Soldiers and Prisoners. Rol. and G. W. 

Act II. 

Front scene, woods ; close in at rise of curtain, all lights 
doAvn. Dedo and Sentinel .discovered. 

I)EDO. Yes Massa, Ave shall soon ; as de ting looks now, 
have a fight, and you bet I can fight, Ise no coward. 

SENTINEL. O yes Dedo, your no coward. I know that. 
You are a brave man Dedo. Yes you are not; (pretend- 
ing to be frightened,) look out Dedo the British are comming 
this Avay now. (Pointing L.) 

DEDO. Whar? Whar? O, Massa, I don't see dem. 
(Trembnng.) 

SENTINEL. Here is one of them and a dozen m the rear. 
(Sentinel recognizes one of their OAvn men, and motioning for 
him to scare Dedo. He does.) Who are you ? 

SENTINEL, No. 2. I am a British Colonel, and you are 
my prisoner and this nigger. I'll make a target of the nigger 
right here. 



DEDO. (Very much frightened.) O, Massa, don't let 
him shoot me, Ise only a black slave. 

2nd SENTINEL. That is why I am going to shoot you. 
[ hate slaves. Say your prayers. 

DEDO. Mr. Britisher, you wouldn't kill a poor nigger^ 
would you ? Ise done you nuffin. 

2nd SENTINEL, (.ret ready and say your prayers. (To 
be said in a rough voice. Dedo is about to kneel and pray. 
They both hi ugh. Dedo then discovers the joke.) 

SENTINEL No. 1. (Laugliing.) Ise no coward. O, no; 
your a tighter, yes you are. (Laughing hearty. All exit K. 
Dedo follows. Scene opens afrer they exit on the battle-lield. 

Scene IL Battle-field of Brandy Wine. Lights dow'i. 
Moon IS shining. Ked fire during battle, and at curtain. (R. 
V. E. Holland mounted followed by his company ; soldiers 
stand back, RoUand C.) 

ROLL\ND. My brave soldiers we shall soon be called 
upon to fight again for our country. Let us hope it will be 
the last battle, and that peace will be declared. My brave 
comrades have courage, for we fight to lift the yoke of Eng- 
lish Thralldom, and gam an independence for our nation. 
(Enter Dedo and Sentinel, K. 1 E.) 

1st SEN riNEL. The enemy are on the hill-top quickly 
advancing, they will soon be here. Ah, look, you can see 
them now. (Points to the right.) 

ROLLAND. (RoUand looking R.) Yes you are right, 
they are here. My brave men to arms. (Noise outside R.) 

ROLLAND. Ready men, on to victory. (Enter British 
army R.) 

BRITISH COLONEL. Surrender. 

ROLLAND. Never. On men. Ready. (They fight. 
Rolland falls from his horse and pretends to be dead. Dedo 
jumps on his horse and exits fast, L. 2 E.) 

DEDO. I'll save him yet. (Soldiers of both nations ly- 
ing about dead ; all exit R. 2 E.) 

BRITISH COLONEL. Take the prisoners to our quarters 
and come back after the dead ; await my orders. (Exit I 2 e) 

ROLLAND. (Rise.) They are gone, and my brave men> 
so many dead. They died like brave soldiers only can die* 



I n>)\v swear that this country shall yet be victorious. (Noise 
outside ; battle in entrance ; clashing of sords, R.) Ah, what 
is that, they are lighting, I will join my men though it cost 
me my life. (Exits R tights for a moment an 1 re-enters.) 
I am wounded, but we ha-ve won the battle ; we are free, free, 
and the victory is ours. (Falls from weakness, rises half way, 
sees Kate Raymond, she advances.) 

ROLLAND. Friend or foe ? 

KATE. Friend, but my father is a torry. I preceive you 
are wounded, let me conduct you to a place "of safety. (Takes 
him by the arm and assists him to a pile of flax, R. \'. E.) I 
will return mimedi.uely, I will bring you refreshments and a 
tonic. (Go( s to 2 E. R. brings refreshments and tonic, ad- 
ministers it to him.) 

ROLLAND. I thnnk yon, (rises) I now feel stronger, I 
must leave you now, (takmg her hand) may heaven reward 
you, you have cast your bread upon the waters, may you re- 
ceive it after many days, (kisses her hand) farewell. 

Picture. Curtain. End of Act. II. 

Flax. Woods full depth. Kate RoUand. 

Act hi. 

Garden of Judge Collins, set house with porch to L.; 
rustic bench to R.; soft music ; fence in back with gate at C. 
(Enter Kate Graham ; gate ; crying, going to bench.) 

KATE. Alone and friendless, without home or friends. 
If I could die and leave this world of trouble. O Father in 
Heaven look down upon me, and protect your child. [She 
kneels, leans her head on bench. Enters Judge Collins from 
house. J 

JUlyGE COLLINS. Twenty years ago to-day, we gained 
our independence, as a nation ; how time flies, and yet there 
are manj^ changes since that day, my wife has died and my 
mind revents back when on the battle-field, and to the noble 
girl who befriended me when I was wounded by the British 
foe. [Looks and sees Kate ; crosses to her.] Good morning 
lady, why are you here alone ? Are you in trouble ? 

KATE GRAHAM. I am alone in this cruel world, 
friendless and homeless. I wandered here in my distress, I 
see these are private grounds, ijray pardon me for intruding. 



12 

JUDGE COLLINS. Apology is unnecessary. Can I do 
you any favor ; pray tell me your naniu ? 

KATE GRAHAM. Kate Graham. 

JUDGE COLLINS. Graham ? That name sounds 
familiar, where did I hear it? [Thmknig.] 

KATE GRAHAM. Sir, may I ask your name, your face 
is familiar ? 

JUDGE COLLINS. Rolland Collins, Judge Collins for 
some years. 

KATE GI^AHAM. Collins. [Rollin Collins.] Were you 
a Colonel of the Regiment that fought in the battle of Brandy 
Wine and was wounded? 

JUDGE COLLINS, Yes, now I know. I recall your 
name, you are the brave girl who befriended me when I was 
wounded by the merciless foe. Little did I think I would 
meet you thus. 

KATE. My life has not been a happy one since I met 
you on the battie-iield, my sky has ever been cloudy, will it 
ever be clear. 

JUDGR COLLINS. Yes Kate, I have never ceased to 
think of you. I loved you from the moment we tirst met, 
your kindness to me won my heart. I sought for you every- 
where, but could get no trace of you. I gave you up for dead, 
and two years later, I married my cousin, she is now sleeping 
in her grave this two years. I have several children, one 
child I especially love, that is my daughter Julia. I am 
wealthy, my okf love is still there, Kate come and share it 
with me. I will do all I can to make your life bright and 
happy, and trust you will be kind to my children. 

KATE. I am yours, your love is returned. I have cast 
my bread upon the waters and received it after many days. 
I will try to do my duty towards you and your children. 

JUDGE. We shall be married immediately and surprise 
the family, we will go to a Justice in preference to a minister. 
I was once a Presbyterian, but now a professed diest. Come 
let us go. [Exit through gate; enters Julia with Bible in 
hand, followed by slaves and her brother Zeno, goes to rustic 
bench.] 

JULIA. Come Dedo, Cloe and Zeno, I will teach you the 
Bible ; now you must love the Saviour Jesus Christ and be- 



lieve he is the son of God and pat j^our trust in Hini, then 
you will go to Heaven, the place of happniess for the blessed, 
but if you deny Christ as the son of God, and hve a wicked 
life and do not obey Him, you will go to a place of punish- 
ment, called hell. Christ died for an attonement for our sins 
and I want you to do what God's words commands all his 
followers to do. You want to be an example to the outer 
world, of what the children of God should be. 
ZENO. Julia, where is Heaven ? 

JULIA. We are told it is above the sky, and that Hell 
is beneath the earth. 

ZENO. [Jumping up and in a loud voice.] Then that 
wolf went to hell for killing our sheep and hurting our dog 
mosque. 

JULIA. But Zeno there's a difference between man-kind 
and the brute creature. The scripture says the soul of the 
beast goes downward at death, but the soul of man goes up- 
ward. The spirit returns to the God who gave it, and the 
body returns to dust ; at the last day the spirit and body are 
reunited, and God passes judgement upon it. According to 
the life of the living soul on earth, had chosen to live, those 
of his children, that he has accepted will sit at his right hand 
in Heaven, but those he has not accepted will be cast into 
hell. (Dedo and ^'loe sit with their mouths wide open.) 

DEDO. Dat scar me Cloe. I'll not tell Massa Judge I 
was ruminating anoder night. I fix tings so Massa Howard 
can tind Missa Jula mid out my sistance, neber you mind 
Cloe you can set in the door -way and pint mid your finger. 

CLOE. I cin do belter den dat iJedo, I jus w^sper m 
Massa Howard's ear dat der-^ is a fire m Clocj's parlor, and 
Julia will sit dare dis ebenin. I golly, ha, ha, wont we fix 
Massa Judge and get to Heaben too. (Julia smiling exits L. 
1 E. followed by slaves and Zeno ; enter Judge and Kate 
married.) 

JUDGE. Now Kate you are my own dear wife, may 
Heaven help me to keep sacred tne great trust you have 
giVen me, may He deal with me as I deal with you. (Points 
to Heaven.) I will send for my ci.i dren and introduce you. 
(Calls Dedo, Dedo. Dedo enters.) 

JUDGE. Dedo this is your new mistress, please tell Julia 
and Zeno to come to me. 



14 

DEDO. Yes Massa, (a'^ide) golly a new mistress, I hope 
she be better den de Oder one was. (Exit into house.) 

JUDGE That is Dedo, a faithful slave. Ah, here comes 
tny cliildren. (Enters Julia and Zeno.) Ah my dear children, 

I have a gre^t surprise tor you, allow me to present to you 
Diy wife and rescurer from ihe battle-field of brandy wine ; 
we were married an hour ago. I trust you will be as chil- 
dren to her, and her a motlier to you. (They shake hencs 
and kiss.) My wife you must be fatiqued. Zeno take your 
motlier to the hamlet and tell Cloe to show her to our 
apartments. (Zeno and Mr-j. J. exit into hamlet, Julia and 
Judge cross to rustic seat.) 

JULIA. Father are you shure you acted wisely, my own 
mother despised me, as you well know. Also, Dr. Howard, 
wiiat wi'l be my fate now, with this mother? My sky has 
ever been cloudy, will it ever be clear ? 

JUDGHL Your mother did not like Dr. Howard, and 
since the evening he cheated me at a game of cards, I believe 
him to be a scoundrel ; ana I now wish you to give him up. 

II you marry him you will lead a miserable life. I will be 
desolate without you ; give him up and you will have the 
largest portion of my estate. 

JULIA. And if I refuse. 

JUDGE. If you refuse you will be lost to me forever. I 
will disown you. 

JULIA. I will consider it, when Dr. Howard comes 
again. (Exit Judge in hamlet, enter Dedo.) 

DEDO. How de do Missa Julia, de heat am very fasica- 
ting to-day. 

JULIA. Take a seat Dedo. I think we are going to have 
a storm. 

DE' O. I think so too, Missa, (casting his eyes toward 
Julia.) Missa Julia, dey say your guine to marry Massa Dr 
Howard. I wi>h you would marry Massa Carrol, for all. de 
cohered folks around would like you for a mistress. 

JULIA. Your selfish, aint you, Dedo. 

DEDO. But mind, black Dedo sees it m de right light if 
he am a slave. 

JULIA. What fault do you find with the Dr. 



15 

DEDO. n, he is so impotent, he tinks nobody knows 
anything bat huiisef. You take a man of his style and he 
makes a hard Massa to a slave, a hard husband to a wife, and 
was den all cruel to de children. Massa Dr. Howard is smart 
and nigge knows dat, but watch de cloud on his brow when 
he is opposed to anythmg. 

JULIA. Dedo, you have been studying human nature, 
have you not? 

DEDO. Yes Missa, Dedo has, for he has de best of ad- 
vantages you know, so many come to Massa Jud«'s house, 
and dey be of all kinds, dere is de high toned, de nnddle tune 
and de low toned, and de no tone at all, (Laughing ) 1 tell 
you M.ssa Jula take l)e< o's advice, if you don't you'll wi-h 
you had long before de cloud falls on your dear grave, den 
Dedo feel bad, now Julia I must go, (takes her by the hand) 
good bye mabe we never meet again, don't forget Ded(». 
[f xit through gate, enters Mint with flour on one cheek.] 

MINT. Good morning Missa Julia, I heard what Dedo 
said, I vise you to head him, don't you marry Massa Carrol 
nor Dr, Howard, dey are white on de outside, bnt black 
under, like my cheek. My cheek is emblnti of dem, Julia 
Massa Carroll made me stand afore the lire while he put. a 
foot on each of my shoulders : he sat dare wid dis spenders 
hanging down till he warmed his feet, and my face was blis- 
tered fo the fire was so hot, all because (Jod made Mint black. 
So you see my cheek is emblatic of his blai k heart, and Massa 
Dr. Howard is no better if he does sing bonnie doon tu win 
the heart of Julia. [Mint shakes her wooly pate and exit C. 
gate, good bye, enter Dr. Howard in gate. J 

Dr. HOWARD. Ah, good morning my darling, I expect- 
ed to find you here. I came for my answer ; come darling, 
tell me are you mine ? 

JULIA. Arthur, father has forbidden me to marry you, 
and demanded a promise from me to give you up, and if I 
refuse— do you know the penalty — it is banishment, disowned 
and driven from home and forgotten. 

ARTHUR HOWARD. But Julia, I cannot live without 
thee, fly with me before your father returns. 

JULIA. I love you, I leave all home, friends, my father's 
love, everything here foT you. Arthur promise me you will 
take my father's place, give me your loyal love till death. 



Dr. HOWARD, Julia, I love you with my whole heart, 
may 1 be struck dumb, and my right arm become powerless 
if Tmisuse you in any way. 

JULIA. I am yours. Come. 

Curtain. End of Act III. 
Act IV. 

Scene I. Room in I02: cabin, loom to L. table and chairs, 
Julia discovered sitting next to table to R. 

JULIA. Twelve years ago to-day, I was a happy young 
girl, happy with my father at home, had I but taken his ad- 
vice and the advice of the slaves, no dark cloud would be 
lowering over m^ to-day, nor my Elgi May advice to young 
girls be guided by your parents, never marry against their 
will. To-dav I am one of the most miserable women on the 
earth. (Enter ;^r. Howard L. E. V.) 

Dr. HOWARD. Julia, idle again, you will die in that 
jhair resting, have you finished those dresses I bought for 
the children ? 

JULIA. Yes I have finished them, what a generous 
man you are to buy common unbleached muslin for them. 
Th" children have gone to put them on they'll be in directly, 
you shall see how n.ce they look. 

Dr. HOWARD. I want none of your sarcasm or slurs, 
for I am master of my own house. (Enter chilaren crying 
barnfootes with yellow dress down to their heels.) 

ELGIE. I wont wear this dress. 

MINA. I wont either. 

Dr. HOWARD. Why Julia what have you been doing to 
the dresses ? 

JULIA. They were not a fit color, so I colored them 
with arrinette as you see, they're realy fine looking. (Laughs 
sarcasticly.) Don't you think so ? They are fit dress for your 
children to wear to school, for a man in your position, a man 
of wealth and character. 

Dr. HOWARD. Girls go to school. [Thev go out crying 
D.L.I 

.JULIA. Dr. Howard, 12 years ago to-day you took me 
from a home that was a palace compared to this miserable 
hut, you told me you would be faithful unto death ; little 



did I think then that I the daughter of Judge Collins would 
be obliged to support my family by toiling daily upon that 
loom without the necessaries of life, while you have plenty 
and able to keep your fanuly the way they should be kept. 
This was your promise, may I be struck dumb and ray • right 
arm become powerless if I misuse you in any way. Dr. How- 
ard answer me, have you kept that promise ? ^'o, from the 
moment I left my father's home your tyranny commenced, 
as soon as you found my father would not forgive me, Dr. 
Howard you have trampled on my heart, that is the worst 
usage you can give, through your indomicable will our Mertie 
he in his grave. Be careful Dr. Howard, do not trample on 
the worm least it might turn and sting you. 

Dr. HOVVARD T will not be talked to like that, even 
though you be my wife you are mme and you shall do as [ 
command you. 

JULIA. I will not, I have suffered long enough. 

Dr. HOWARD. Dare you thwart me, Julia I hate you. 
(Crosses to her and strikes her, take that, exits through door.) 

JULIA. You miserable coward, I would leave his roof 
were it not for my children. Father in Heaven protect us. 
I cling to thee. [Close in — enter children from S.] 

ELGIE. I shall never wear this dress to school again. 

MINA. Nor I, the children call us yellow birds ; there, 
hear them. [To be sung in the L. E.] 

Yonder goes the yellow birds, yellow birds, ha, ha, ha ; 
yellow birds, hi, ho, yellow birds. [Elgie takes Mina's nand.] 

ELGIE. Come Mina, let us go, father is an abolishinist, 
yet we are treated like the slaves of the south. [Exit R. 
Scene opens at exit.) 

Scene iii. Fence R., hay cocks, woods with log cabin and 
wolves to L. [Enter Llgie and Mina R.] 

MINA. Mother tells us to respect father, but we cannot, 
can we Elgie? 

ELGIE. No Mina, if he was a poor man and could not 
aford to dress us any better, we could forgive him, as it is 
we can't. 

MINA. Let us stop in this quiet fence corner and pray. 
[Both kneel and pray.] God do take father to Heaven and 
let our mother live, so we wont have to wear those yellow 



18 - --• -■ - ■ 

dresses any more and mother wont be abused, and wont have 
to work so hard, for Heaven sake, amen. (Enters Dr. How- 
ward L. 1 E.) 

Dr. HOWARD. What are you doing here ? 

ELGIE. Gathering sheep sorrt 1. (Both hand himsome )■ 

Dr. HOWAKD. Do you see those hay cocks? . 

ELGIE and MINA. Yes, sir. 

Dr. HOWAHD. Well, they are damp, spread them out. 
(Elgie, Mma and Julia does it.) 

Dr HOWAKD. [Looking at them with his arms folded 
walking biick and forth. 1 Tliey are not damp, as I thought, 
stack them again ? Elgie and ^Una does.] Now toUow'iile? 
[Exit R. 2 E i Elgie and Mina sing 8wanee River. 
Slow Curtain. 

Act V. 

[ V room in Mrs. Markland's house on the prarie, lounge 
to R.J 

Mrs. MARKLAND. Elgie you must marry Ira Holland, 
we all feel that every girl n-^eds a home. 

ELGIE. I prefer one of my own choice. Is this the 
promise y>>u made my mother when you wrote to her for me 
to come here and teach school. You now take the school from 
me and want to force me to marry a man I despise and loath. 
I will never marry Ira Holland, I would rather die. I will 
leave this house. 

Mrs. MARKLAND. Y^'ou shall remain and m-cvrry him, 
you have no friends but us, your father and brother's wife 
turned you adrift, and we will see that you get a home of 
your own, the minister will soon k>e here. (Knters Ira Holland 
and the minster.) 

IRA HOLLAND. Elgie, are you ready? 

ELGIE. Ready for what ? 

HOLLAND. For marriage. 

ELGIE. (), heavens, must I submit, yes what can I do, 
must my sky ever be cloudy like my mothe'.- , alone and 
friendless. [Ii'a takes her hand in front of minister, Elge 
almost fainting.] 



■ — - -^ — -- ' • - - ______: ly 

MINISTEK.. Ira Holland, do you take this woman to be 
your lawful and wedded wife till death do you part ? 

HOLLAND. I do. 

MINISTER. Elgie Howard, do you take this man to be 
your lawful and wedded husband till death do you part? 
[Elgie famts.] 

MINISTKR. I pronounce you man and wife. [Ira picks 
Elgie up, lays her on sopha, all exit L. door.] 

EL<tIE. ( Wakes up and sees she is alone.) They are 
gone. I perish in the snow storm on the prarie, sooner th.m 
remain here with that villian. [ am not his wife. I will go 
(Takes cloak and nubia from lounge, goes to L door.) Ira 
Holland, farewell. (Close in front scene, snow storm and 
drifts, enter Elgie L.) 

ELGIE. O, my poor mother, if you could know to-day 
where your poor Elgie is wandering throukh the snow drifts 
to find a friend, would you not fly to me and save me. O 
that the earth might open and swallow me up. [Enters Mr. 
Mellvilie K.] 

Mr. MELLVILLE. Why Elgie Howard, how came you 
here ? 

ELGIE. I am escaping from that villian, Ira Holland, 
the story is too long to tell here. 

Mr. MELLVILLK. Come let me take you to a place of 
safety. I came in search of you. I left your mother a few 
days ago. I have sad news for you, they are all dead butyoui* 
mother, come Elgie. 

ELGIE. Mr. Mellvilie I am glad you come, I can never 
thank you for the kindness, help me to escape from this place. 

Mr. MELLVILLE. With all my heart, come we will go 
to your mother, you can tell me all on the way. Come. (Exit 
R., scene opens on, scene 3 woods, grave in C, Julia discover- 
ed kneeling at her father's grave.) 

JULIA. My Father in Heaven, would that I could die 
ere I leave this spot. (Enter Elgie and Mr. Mellvilie R.) 

ELGIE. Come mother you still have me left to cheer 
you, and Mr. Mellvilie will soon be my husband and we three 
will be happy together. Mother your home will be with us. 



20 



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JULIA. Let us thank Gd 
Close in, bed-room m Mellville 
lounge in center, Julia lying oi 

JULIA. Mr. Mellville, my 016 103 765 5 0^ 
world forever, you have given me a goou auuie auu Lua^av. »^j 
last days bright, be kmd to Elgie and may God bless you. 
Elgie dear, come here, (places her hand on her head) may 
God bless you, I hope to meet your Father and my children 
in Heaven, he repented and I forgave him as I trust you did 
at the last hour. I go to meet my children and the slaves 
who love me, meet me in Heaven. I go into the arms of my 
Redeamer, and no more Cloudy Sky. (Dies.) Tabeleau. 

Julia. 

Mina. Angel. Mertie's 2. 

Ardeela. Dr. Howard. Wallace. 

Dedo. End of Play. Cloe. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

016 103 765 5 



